In the year 2022, India made significant development in its infrastructure sector. The country has been investing heavily in transportation, energy, and telecommunications sectors, and has made significant improvements in the availability and quality of these services.
In the transportation sector, India has been building and expanding its network of roads, railways, and airports, with the aim of improving connectivity and facilitating the movement of goods and people within the country. The government has also launched initiatives such as the National Highway Development Project and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, which aim to improve rural connectivity and access to basic services. In the energy sector, India has been increasing its capacity to generate and transmit electricity, with a focus on renewable sources such as solar and wind power.
Finally, in the telecommunications sector, India has made significant progress in increasing access to and improving the quality of mobile and internet services, with the aim of driving economic growth and development.
In the infrastructure & tourism (including religious tourism) sectors, too, India has made several strides. Here are the biggest projects that India saw this year.
STATUE OF EQUALITY
Inauguration: February 5
The Statue of Equality (Ramanucharjya statue), also known as the statue of Ahimsa, is a tribute to the 11th-century vaishnavaite, philosopher and social reformer, Ramanucharjya. The statue stands at a height of 216 feet, making it one of the tallest statues in India. It is located in the city of Hyderabad, Telangana.
The statue is a symbol of non-violence and equality, as propagated by Ramanucharjya. It is made of bronze and depicts the philosopher in a seated position, holding a book in his hand. The statue has been erected as a reminder of the principles of non-violence and equality that Ramanucharjya upheld throughout his life.
KASHI VISHWANATH CORRIDOR
Inauguration: February 14
The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor was inaugurated in the city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The corridor aims to renovate and revitalize the area around the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples in the country. The project includes a wide pedestrian pathway, the redevelopment of narrow lanes and ghats, and the restoration of heritage buildings. The corridor also aims to improve the overall experience of visitors to the temple by providing better amenities and facilities such as restrooms, food stalls, and seating areas.
The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor is expected to have a major impact on the city of Varanasi, as it will improve the accessibility and attractiveness of the temple area. It is also expected to boost the local economy, as it will create new job opportunities and attract more tourists to the city. Overall, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor is a major development project that is expected to bring significant benefits to the city of Varanasi.
CHENAB ARCH BRIDGE
Inauguration: August 13
The Chenab Arch Bridge is an engineering marvel in Jammu & Kashmir. It has been built over the Chenab River Valley and is the highest rail bridge in the world. The bridge is 359 metres above the riverbed and is a key part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project, connecting the cities of Udhampur and Baramulla.
Construction of the Chenab Arch Bridge began in 2002 and was completed in 2021. The bridge was built by the Indian Railways and is a vital transportation link for the region. It can withstand earthquakes and extremely strong winds, making it a safe and reliable transportation option for the local population. The bridge will also boost economic development in the region by improving connectivity and access to markets. Overall, the Chenab Arch Bridge is a major infrastructure project that will have significant benefits for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
CENTRAL VISTA PROJECT
Inauguration: September 8
The Central Vista Project in India is a large-scale redevelopment project that aimed to modernize and revamp the central area of New Delhi. The project, which was announced in 2019, includes the construction of a new Parliament building, as well as the renovation of several government buildings and the creation of a new central secretariat. The project is expected to cost approximately $2.7 billion and is slated for completion in 2024. The renewed Rajpath, which was renamed Kartavyapath, was inaugurated this year.
One of the main goals of the Central Vista Project is to create a more efficient and functional space for the Indian government to operate. The new Parliament building, for example, will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and amenities, including an underground parking garage and an outdoor courtyard. Additionally, the project aims to improve the overall aesthetic of the central area, with the addition of green spaces, pedestrian walkways, and public art installations. However, the project has faced criticism from some quarters, with concerns being raised about the cost, the displacement of local residents, and the potential impact on the environment.
UJJAIN MAHAKAL CORRIDOR
Inauguration: October 11
The Ujjain Mahakal Corridor is a redevelopment project in the city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, India. The project aims to transform the city into a major religious and cultural hub by improving infrastructure and amenities around the Mahakal Temple, which is a popular destination for Hindu pilgrims. The corridor will cover an area of approximately 2.5 square kilometres and will include the construction of new roads, pedestrian walkways, and public spaces.
The Ujjain Mahakal Corridor project is being funded by the government of Madhya Pradesh and is expected to cost around INR 1,500 crore (about $207 million). It is expected to generate significant economic and social benefits for the city, including increased tourism, job creation, and improved quality of life for local residents. The project is also expected to have a positive impact on the environment, with the incorporation of green technologies and sustainable design principles.
NEW DONYI POLO AIRPORT, ITANAGAR
Inaugurated: November 19
The Donyi Polo Airport in Itanagar, also known as Hollongi Airport, is a recently developed airport located in the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh, India. The airport has replaced the old Lilabari Airport which had been serving the city since the 1970s. The new airport boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a runway that can accommodate larger aircraft. It has the capacity to handle around 500 passengers per hour and is expected to boost tourism and economic growth in the region.
The New Donyi Polo Airport is a significant milestone for the people of Arunachal Pradesh, as it provides much-needed connectivity to the rest of the country. The airport is equipped with modern terminal buildings, a parking area for aircraft, and a range of amenities for travelers. It is also equipped with advanced security systems and has a dedicated team of professionals working to ensure the smooth operation of the airport. With the opening of the New Donyi Polo Airport, residents of Arunachal Pradesh now have greater access to the rest of the country, making it easier to travel for business or leisure.
T-13 ESCAPE TUNNEL
Completion: December 15
India's longest escape tunnel, T-13, is located on the Banihal-Katra rail link of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link in Jammu & Kashmir. The tunnel measures 12.89 kilometres in length and was built to provide an alternate route for trains to bypass landslides and other natural disasters that often occur in the region.
In addition to providing a reliable transportation route, the T-13 tunnel also serves as an important safety feature. It allows trains to evacuate passengers to safety in the event of an emergency, such as a fire or other disaster. The tunnel is equipped with emergency exits, ventilation systems, and other safety features to ensure the safety of passengers. Overall, the T-13 tunnel is a crucial component of the Banihal-Katra rail link and has greatly improved transportation and safety in the region.